THE International Cricket Council have suspended Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer – pending charges on “various offences” under the anti-corruption code.

The three players have been at the centre of their sport’s spot-fixing crisis since being named in a News of the World expose, alleging attempts to defraud illegal bookmakers.

It was announced yesterday they would play no part in the forthcoming limited-overs matches between Pakistan and England, although they have professed their innocence in the alleged plot.

Pakistan Test captain Butt, Asif and Aamer have been officially notified of the offences they are alleged to have committed.

In accordance with the provisions of the code, they are immediately barred from participating in all cricket and related activities until the case has been concluded. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat last night took the opportunity to reiterate the world governing body’s firm stance on any match-fixing transgressions.

“We will not tolerate corruption in cricket – simple as that,” he said. “We must be decisive with such matters – and if proven, these offences carry serious penalties up to a life ban.

“The ICC will do everything possible to keep such conduct out of the game, and we will stop at nothing to protect the sport’s integrity. While we believe the problem is not widespread, we must always be vigilant. It is important, however, that we do not pre-judge the guilt of these three players. That is for the independent tribunal alone to decide.”

The players have the right to contest the suspension and defend the charges at a tribunal hearing.

The controversy had already taken a new twist yesterday when the Pakistan High Commissioner cast doubt on the authenticity of evidence presented by the News of the World.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan was speaking after he and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt interviewed Butt, Asif and Aamer over claims they bowled no-balls to order in the Lord’s Test.

It was also confirmed the three would take no part, in any case, in two Twenty20 matches and five one-day international against England – set to start in Cardiff on Sunday.

The explanation was that they would be left out at their own request, because of the stress of the past week.

But Hasan subsequently questioned whether or not the News of the World’s tapes of Croydon-based businessman Mazhar Majeed, apparently correctly identifying the exact time when no-balls would occur, should be taken at face value.

Hasan told the BBC: “We are not seeing on the video what the date is or what the time is.

“The video wasn’t timed or dated. It could have been filmed before or after the match, or at a different time.”

Asked if he believes the three players might have been “set up”, he responded: “Yes, I would say that. Yes.”

Contacted about Hasan’s remarks, a News of the World spokesman said the tabloid will “refuse to respond to such ludicrous allegations”.

Further advice was to “watch this space” – an intriguing hint that more allegations may be in the offing for publication this weekend.

Butt and seamers Asif and Aamer had their rooms searched by police and their mobile phones confiscated following Scotland Yard interviews at the team hotel in London last weekend.

Majeed was arrested on Saturday night, in connection with the newspaper allegations. He was questioned for 24 hours before being released on police bail without charge, only for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to subsequently make three more arrests.

It is understood the England and Wales Cricket Board lobbied hard for an agreement to leave the three players out of the rest of the tour – on behalf of a home squad reluctant to take the field against them.

A plausible reason was therefore required at that point for their absence, and that was duly delivered by Hasan.